Sunday, August 12, 2007

Be Grateful For What You Have

Yesterday, I watched an episode of Frasier. In it, somebody else's mail got delivered to Frasier by mistake and one of the items was an invitation to some kind of new exclusive place in town that he hadn't heard of. He couldn't bear the thought that there was something too exclusive for him, so he found out what it was - a health spa. Next, of course, he had to go to it.

When he got there, he handed over the invitation, but they wouldn't let him in because his name wasn't on the list. After Frasier had been arguing with the receptionist for a few minutes, Niles walked in, pretending to be someone else. This was obviously a pre-arranged plan between them, and they were allowed in.

They thought it was wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed themselves - they thought it was perfect (if a little pricey!). Anyway, just as they were leaving, they saw a gold door. When they tried to go through it, they were told that they weren't allowed - it was for Gold Members only.

Now they knew that there was something better than what they had, they were unhappy. What they had now wasn't good enough, despite the fact they had thought it was wonderful before they knew about this higher level. They wanted more.

They managed to get into the gold level (by utilizing a friend's contact). They thought this was idyllic - much better than the Silver Level they'd had before, much more befitting to people of their social standing. But then, while they were in a relaxation room, they saw a platinum door.

Of course, they weren't satisfied with the Gold Level now they knew there was something better still - they had to see what was in the Platinum Level. On their first attempt to get through the platinum door, they were told they weren't allowed. Not to be put off, they tried again, this time getting through. As soon as they were through, they thought they were in paradise. There was a lovely warm bright light surrounding them - much better (they thought) than what they had just been experiencing in the Gold Level. Only, as one of them realised they could smell rubbish, it dawned on them it wasn't paradise - they were actually stood outside next to the bins, and the door couldn't be opened from the outside.

Moral of the story - it's OK to want to better yourself, but don't be ungrateful with what you've got.